Numerical Assessment of Zebra-Stripes-Based Strategies in Buildings Energy Performance: A Case Study under Tropical Climate

Urban growth has increased the risk of over-heating both in the microclimate and inside buildings, affecting thermal comfort and energy efficiency. That is why this research aims to evaluate the energy performance of buildings in terms of thermal comfort (operative temperature (OP) levels, satisfied hours of natural ventilation SHNV, thermal lag), and energy efficiency (roof heat gains and surface temperatures) in an urban area in Panama City, using superficial-heat-dissipation biomimetic strategies. Two case studies, a base case and a proposed case, were evaluated using the Designbuilder software through dynamic simulation. The proposed case is based on a combined biomimetic strategy; the reflective characteristics of the Saharan ant applied as a coating on the roofs through a segmented pattern such as the Zebra’s stripes (one section with coating, and another without). Results showed that the OP decreased from 8 to 10 °C for the entire urban zone throughout the year. A reduction of 3.13% corresponding to 8790 kWh per year was achieved for cooling energy consumption. A difference of 5 °C in external surface temperature was obtained, having a lower temperature in which the biomimetic strategy was applied. Besides, it was evidenced that a contrasted-reflectivity-stripes pitched roof performed better than a fully reflective roof. Thus, the functionality of Zebra stripes, together with the reflective characteristics of the Saharan ant, provide better performance for buildings’ thermal regulation and energy needs for cooling.

Neutron powder diffraction study of the phase transitions in deuterated methylammonium lead iodide

We report the results of a neutron powder diffraction study of the phase transitions in deuterated methylammonium lead iodide, with a focus on the system of orientational distortions of the framework of PbI6 octahedra. The results are analysed in terms of symmetry-adapted lattice strains and normal mode distortions. The higher-temperature cubic–tetragonal phase transition at 327 K is weakly discontinuous and nearly tricritical. The variations of rotation angles and spontaneous strains with temperature are consistent with a standard Landau theory treatment. The lower-temperature transition to the orthorhombic phase at 165 K is discontinuous, with two systems of octahedral rotations and internal distortions that together can be described by five order parameters of different symmetry. In this paper we quantify the various symmetry breaking distortions and their variation with temperature, together with their relationship to the spontaneous strains, within the formalism of Landau theory. A number of curious results in the low-temperature phase are identified, particularly regarding distortion amplitudes that decrease rather than increase with lowering temperature.

Analysis of longitudinal leaky surface acoustic waves on quartz thin plate bonded to similar-material substrate

The propagation and resonance properties of longitudinal leaky surface acoustic waves (LLSAWs) on bonded structures consisting of a quartz (Qz) thin plate and a Qz support substrate with different Euler angles were investigated theoretically. By using both an X-cut Qz thin plate and a Qz support substrate with optimal Euler angles, we obtained LLSAWs with a larger coupling factor, a smaller attenuation, and a lower temperature coefficient of frequency than those on a single Qz substrate. Furthermore, from the resonance properties simulated by the finite element method, the bonded structures were found to exhibit a large admittance ratio and a high quality factor, which could not be obtained when using a single Qz substrate; the bandwidth however was as small as 0.016-0.086%.

Large magnetodielectric coupling in the vicinity of metamagnetic transition in 6H−perovskite Ba3GdRu2O9

The 6H-perovskites Ba3RRu2O9 (R = rare earth element) demonstrate the magnetodielectric (MD) coupling as a manifestation of 4d - 4f magnetic interactions. Here, we have reported a detailed study of the structural, magnetic, heat capacity, and MD properties of the 6H-perovskite Ba3GdRu2O9. The signature of long-range antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering at ~14.8 K (TN) is evident from the magnetization and heat capacity studies. The TN shifts towards the lower temperature side, apart from splitting in two with the application of the magnetic field. Field-dependent magnetization at 2 K shows three metamagnetic transitions with the opening of small hysteresis in different regions. A new transition at T1 emerges after the onset of the first metamagnetic transition. Complex magnetic behavior is observed in different magnetic field regions whereas these field regions themselves vary with the temperature. Dielectric response recorded at zero and 80 kOe field exhibits the development of MD coupling well above TN. The MD coupling (~ 4.5 % at 10 K) is enhanced by 25 % as compared to the Dy counterpart. Effect of complex magnetic behavior is also conveyed in the MD results where the maximum value of MD coupling is observed in the vicinity of 10 K (onset of T1) and near the second metamagnetic transition. Our investigation suggests that both Gd and Ru moments align simultaneously at TN. Short-range magnetic correlations are possibly responsible for MD coupling above TN.

Improving the Performance of BaMnO3 Perovskite as Soot Oxidation Catalyst Using Carbon Black during Sol-Gel Synthesis

A series of BaMnO3 solids (BM-CX) were prepared by a modified sol-gel method in which a carbon black (VULCAN XC-72R), and different calcination temperatures (600 °C–850 °C) were used. The fresh and used catalysts were characterized by ICP-OES, XRD, XPS, FESEM, TEM, O2-TPD and H2- TPR-. The characterization results indicate that the use of low calcination temperatures in the presence of carbon black allows decreasing the sintering effects and achieving some improvements regarding BM reference catalyst: (i) smaller average crystal and particles size, (ii) a slight increase in the BET surface area, (iii) a decrease in the macropores diameter range and, (iv) a lower temperature for the reduction of manganese. The hydrogen consumption confirms Mn(III) and Mn(IV) are presented in the samples, Mn(III) being the main oxidation state. The BM-CX catalysts series shows an improved catalytic performance regarding BM reference catalyst for oxidation processes (NO to NO2 and NO2-assisted soot oxidation), promoting higher stability and higher CO2 selectivity. BM-C700 shows the best catalytic performance, i.e., the highest thermal stability and a high initial soot oxidation rate, which decreases the accumulation of soot during the soot oxidation and, consequently, minimizes the catalyst deactivation.

Determination of the SSM Processing Window

Identification of critical temperatures is paramount for semisolid processing. Application of the principles of differential calculus to identify these temperatures on semisolid transformation curves allows the semisolid metal (SSM) processing window to be determined. This paper synthesizes and organizes a methodology that can be used to this end, namely the differentiation method (DM). Examples are given of the application of the method to 356, 355, and 319 aluminum alloys, which are commonly used in SSM processing, and the results are compared with those of numerical simulations performed with Thermo-Calc® (under the Scheil condition). The DM is applied to experimental differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) heat-flow data for cooling and heating cycles under different kinetic conditions (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 °C/min). The findings indicate that the DM is an efficient tool for identifying critical points such as the solidus, liquidus, and knee as well as tertiary transformations. The results obtained using the method agree well with those obtained using traditional techniques. The method is operator-independent as it uses well-defined mathematical/graphical criteria to identify critical points. Furthermore, the DM identifies an SSM processing window defined in terms of a higher and lower temperature for rheocasting or thixoforming operations (TSSML and TSSMH) between which the sensitivity is less than 0.03 °C-1 and, consequently, the process is highly controllable. This DM has already been published in a partial and dispersed way in different works in the past and the aim here is to present it in a more cohesive and didactic way, synthesizing the presented data and comparing them.

Band gap characteristics of friction stir additive manufactured phononic crystals

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is widely used to fabricate phononic crystals (PnCs) in recent years. Friction Stir Additive Manufacturing (FSAM) is a new-type solid state fabrication technology which is fusion free with low distortions. FSAM was selected to fabricate the designed PnCs. The manufactured specimen was distorted due to the temperature rise in the manufacturing process and the band gaps (BGs) were changed with the distortions. Results indicate that the band gap of the PnCs moves to be in higher frequency domain due to the residual distortions of the manufactured PnCs. The residual distortion of FSAM PnCs is 2.77 times smaller in comparison with the Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding. So, the differences of the band gap between the designed PnCs and the FSAM specimen are only in the range of 0.15%- 0.55% due to the lower temperature rise in FSAM. The further analysis shows that the change of the BGs is caused by the growth of the inertia moment for the FSAM PnCs. With the increase of the rotating speed in FSAM, the residual distortion of the FSAM PnCs is increased due to the increase of the welding temperature. This can lead to the increase of the inertia moment, which is the key reason for the increase of the BG characteristics of the FSAM PnCs.

Variability in Carcinus maenas Fecundity Along Lagoons and Estuaries of the Portuguese Coast

Although Carcinus maenas as a species is widely studied, research focusing on fecundity is still scarce. The main objective of this study was to evaluate size-fecundity relationships across different lagoons and estuaries, along the Portuguese coast, to understand how the local environment affects reproductive patterns. Between 2019 and 2020, ovigerous females were collected from the Southern (Ria Formosa and Ria de Alvor), Central (Rio Sado) and Northern regions (Ria de Aveiro) of Portugal, and the fecundity of each female was estimated by counting and weighing eggs. Morphometric relationships (carapace width–egg counting; egg counting–egg weight; body wet weight–egg weight; carapace width–body wet weight) were inferred from 180 egg-bearing females with a carapace width between 26.96 and 61.25 mm. A positive correlation between fecundity and the morphological parameters was observed. Differences in fecundity were found among all systems, from northern to southern Portugal, varying between 22121 and 408538 eggs per female. Furthermore, a regional gradient was observed across regions, with lower temperature estuaries (Ria de Aveiro) displaying an increase in fecundity. The fecundity in Rio Sado was also affected by salinity. Fecundity differences across regions were associated with hydrodynamics, temperature, and salinity differences among systems. No statistically significant differences were observed between Carapace Width—Body Wet Weight regressions performed in each studied system, indicating that, contrary to fecundity, the somatic growth of C. maenas is not affected by latitudinal or environmental conditions.

Effect of Gd and Ti co-doping on electrical performance of Bi2O3 oxygen ion conductor

In this study, a new oxygen ion conductor electrolyte material with high conductivity was reported. Bi2O3 was co-doped with Gd2O3 and TiO2 by solid-phase synthesis method to obtain Bi1-3xGd2xTixO1.5+δ and Bi0.76Gd0.18-xTixO1.5+δ (TGSB) ceramics. The phase composition, surface morphology and electrical properties of TGSB samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and AC impedance respectively. XRD results show that only 6T12GSB has a single cubic fluorite structure, and impurity phases appear in other samples. The SEM results show that only when the doping concentrations of Gd and Ti are 12 mol.% and 6 mol.% respectively, the particle size is relatively smaller and there are no obvious pores. From the analysis of electrical properties, Gd dopant is helpful to the stability of the Bi2O3 phase than Ti dopant, but not beneficial to higher conductivity. When the doping concentration of Gd is higher than 16 mol.%, it becomes more stable. The conductivity of the 6T12GSB sample is relatively high. The conductivity of the TGSB samples is higher than that of the TLSB samples under the lower temperature condition (< 450 °C), and the electrical performance of Bi2O3-based materials are enhanced especially at low temperature.

Microporphyritic and microspherulitic melt grains, Hiawatha crater, Northwest Greenland: Implications for post-impact cooling rates, hydration, and the cratering environment

Sand-sized impactite melt grains hand-picked from a glaciofluvial sample proximal to the Hiawatha impact crater in Northwest Greenland contain new information about the crystallization and cooling history of this impact structure, which is concealed by the Greenland Ice Sheet. Of course, the original locations of the individual sand grains are unknown, but this is offset by the substantial number and wide variety of impactite grains available for study. A detailed investigation of 16 melt grains shows that post-cratering crystallization took place under very variable conditions of strong undercooling with temperatures that dropped rapidly from high above their solidus to far below. A distinct event of near-isochemical hydration at above or ∼250 °C is recorded by intense perlitic fracturing and the growth of closely packed mordenite spherulites only 1−3 μm across in felsic melt grains, which was followed by lower temperature hydrothermal alteration along the pre-existing perlitic fractures. The formation of abundant mordenite microspherulites appears to be very rare or not previously recorded in impactite melts and suggests the rapid infilling of the Hiawatha crater by a hydrous source. The infilling did not occur immediately after the impact as in submarine impacts, but soon thereafter, and before the establishment of a low-temperature hydrothermal alteration system common to the waning stage of cooling in many impact structures. These observations and previous documentation of terrestrial organic matter in the impactites are consistent with an impact into a water-rich terrestrial environment, such as through the Greenland Ice Sheet or into a forested, lacustrine−fluvial region.